WRIGHTSVILLE THROUGH A LOCAL’S EYE: MILAN DIONESE-FLING
Milan Dionese-Fling is the daughter of Wilmington Days' Editor-in-Chief, Christine Dionese.
She is almost 11 and loves living an eclectic life from the city to the sea. Growing up by the beach in San Diego is what inspires her curious spirit to explore new adventures in and around Wrightsville Beach.
If you were to create a crossword puzzle from words that describe her best interests you’d get surf, skate, art creator, piano, soccer player, cross-genre music lover, trampoline bouncer, foodie, baker, hair stylist and the cherished title of pet mom to Pops the Cat & Gyro the Dog.
Here are Milan’s 7 favorite things to do as a kid right now in Wrightsville in her own words!
ROBERT’S GROCERIES
Sure, you can grab breakfast at one of Wrightsville’s many eateries, but Robert’s Groceries is Wrightsville’s best kept secret for a tasty to-go breakfast at the beach. My favorite order is the sausage, egg and cheese southern biscuit. My hot tip is to get there before 10am so they’re not sold out and for your best chance at a hot biscuit! When you enter the store, head to the back right corner. Then on your way back to the register, stop in the cooler section on your left for a cinnamon roll!
THE ORIGINAL ICE CREAM STAND
I love ice cream any time of the day. Sometimes my mom lets me get it for dinner when we’re on vacation! The Original Ice Cream Stand is located right along the Wrightsville loop, my favorite order is a large waffle cone with cookies & cream on the bottom and cotton candy on top.
SHELLING
The coolest shells I’ve found to date are spiral shells called “Lighting Whelks.” The Johnnie Mercers Pier is my go-to shelling spot. The best time to go is before and after high tide to find the best treasures!
BRIDGETENDERS RESTARAUNT
Right beside the bridge is my favorite restaurant, Bridgetenders Restaurant, on the sound. My go-to is their clam chowder in a bowl (even if you plan to order an entree) and you absolutely have to try the “As-big-as-my-face Key Lime Pie.”
SUNSET VIEW FROM THE WRIGHTSVILLE BRIDGE
The best sunset spot in my opinion is on the Wrightsville Bridge. Cross the street across from Wings on the Wrightsville Loop at The Causeway and head over to the middle of the bridge. The best orange and red sunsets I have ever seen have been here!
BOOGIE BOARDING AT LUMINA AVE & CRANE ST
I love boogie boarding at Lumina Ave & Crane St because it’s not too crowded. You can catch waves without competing with surfers which is ideal for learning!
BEACH HANGS WITH THE PUP
Gyro and I love to exercise at the beach in the off-season. Wide open and uncrowded beaches make this time of year the best. Locals know to bring their dogs to the beach in the off-season to dig and swim from October 1st to March 31st.
